The D.C. tech events schedule is packed these days, which offers plenty of chances for learning and linking with jobs, as well as meeting a new side of the community and building new stuff.
Behind the scenes are the organizers and activists making these events happen, many of whom are volunteers that already have a full-time job.
“Organizing is both easy and hard,” writes DC Tech Stories host Jessica Bell. “The actual work is easier than you think – show up and be the person who sets out chairs, or tweets, or makes people feel welcome. The hard part comes when you get good at it and all of a sudden your schedule is PACKED! Underrepresented folks in tech often take on the majority of the work for community organizing and making our field a more diverse and inclusive space. Add this on top of your career hustle gets to be a lot.”
In the latest Season 2 episode of the podcast featuring conversations with D.C. technical workers and community leaders, Bell talked to three organizers about burnout.
Guests on the episode, titled “Is it Time for a Nap?” include:
- Rica Rosario, AIGA DC President and Senior UX Designer.
- Shannon Turner, founder of Hear Me Code, full-stack developer and teacher to hundreds of women.
- Dian Holton, AARP Deputy Art Director, AIGA DC Mentoring + Design Continuum Scholarship Fund Director and GDUSA’s Person to Watch in 2016.
“Shannon, Dian, and Rica are three of the women I think of as leaders in DC tech organizing and to have an honest conversation about balancing work, life, and your community group was helpful in my own struggle with overcommitment,” Bell said. “I want people to see and recognize just HOW much work it takes to put on these events and to get involved and help when they can!”
Plus, there are plenty of tips for anyone interested in organizing their own events. Perhaps that includes you?
Listen below:
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